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Yagodinska Cave: A Rhodope Mountain Jewel

Discover Bulgaria's Yagodinska Cave: a stunning subterranean world of stalactites, history, and unique cave formations in the Rhodope Mountains.

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Explore the mesmerizing Yagodinska Cave, the longest in the Rhodope Mountains, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and even Neolithic-era dwellings. A constant cool temperature and high humidity add to the unique underground experience.

A brief summary to Yagodinska Cave

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as the cave temperature is cool and the floor can be uneven.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot on the hourly tours, especially during peak season.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the cave.
  • Combine your visit with a hike in the surrounding Rhodope Mountains.
  • Check the official website for updated tour hours and special events.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from Smolyan, head northeast on E80 towards Yagodina. Follow the signs to Yagodina, approximately 25 km away. Once in Yagodina, follow signs to the cave. Parking is available near the entrance. Be careful on the narrow, single-lane road in Buynovo Gorge.

  • Public Transport

    From Smolyan, take a bus to Yagodina from the central bus station. The journey takes 30-40 minutes. From the Yagodina bus stop, it's about a 15-minute (2 km) walk to the cave, following the signs. A local taxi from the bus station to the cave costs approximately 10-15 BGN.

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Discover more about Yagodinska Cave

Yagodinska Cave, nestled in the Buynovo Gorge of the Rhodope Mountains near the village of Yagodina, is a captivating natural wonder and one of Bulgaria's most visited caves. Stretching over 10,500 meters, it is the fourth-longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest in the Rhodopes. The cave's estimated age is 275,000 years. The cave boasts a constant temperature of 6°C and high humidity, creating a unique environment for diverse cave formations. Visitors can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates, draperies, and cave pearls. One of the most interesting features is the "New Year's Hall," where locals celebrate New Year's Eve each year. The Yagodinska Cave has three levels, with the lowest level developed for tourists. The 1,100-meter tourist path is equipped with electric lights and man-made tunnels for easy access. The cave is also an important site for bat conservation, housing 11 different species. Archaeological discoveries reveal that the cave was inhabited during the Neolithic era. The natural entrance leads to the uppermost level, where an ancient dwelling from the 4th millennium BC was discovered. Artifacts suggest the inhabitants were skilled potters who used clay from the cave and the nearby river. Beyond the standard tour, the Rhodope Tourist Association offers extreme tourism excursions into the undeveloped galleries. These tours require special equipment and physical stamina but reward adventurers with unique and entrancing vistas.

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